We had another reality check today. David had a CT scan this morning, and we got the results. They were what we expected, but not what we wanted. He has new brain injuries that are consistent with what they would see with a stroke or strokes. He had a CT scan a couple days after his first cardiac arrest, so these are new since then (seems likely from the day they first tried to close his chest and he ended up on Ecmo again). Once David is in a better spot, he will get an MRI will will show the complete picture of what has happened with his brain, but until then we’ll have to be patient.
There are three areas that have a new injury. The left and right frontal lobes, the right parietal, and the right occipital. The biggest takeaway is that the right frontal lobe is affected in the area of motor control, which controls movement on the left side. This is consistent with what we have noticed with decreased movement on his left side. It’s hard to know exactly how this will manifest itself, and could be in the form of weakness or weak muscle tone. We have seen his left arm move more than his leg. He wiggles his toes if stimulated, but that’s about it. However, the neurologist who went over the results thought that was interesting because the part that controls the leg movement looked better on the scan than the part that controls the arm and face.
The neurologist did not like being the bearer of bad news – although, we had heard from a doctor and nurse practitioner the results earlier in the day. The neurologist was able to add more details though. He also gave David an exam, and pinched David in various spots, and David responded by moving his left leg and also moving his left arm quite a bit. Those were promising signs. OT had also visited earlier in the day, and was able to get him to voluntarily move his left arm. They will start visiting with David daily to work especially on the left side, and once we have the MRI results, he’ll likely begin more rehabilitation and therapy. The good news is that David likes to prove everyone wrong, so we’re happy he has this fighting spirit in him.
Otherwise, David is has been tolerating his vent weans well. However, he does not like being woken up. They will slowly start to wean his sedation, but as he wakes, he gets upset and when he’s upset, he’ll hold his breath. This causes his heart rate and oxygen saturations to plummet. They were pacing him right away when he did this, today they gave him time to regulate himself again. His surgeon stopped by briefly to check on him, and he still plans on closing the rest of his chest on Monday. David has been able to remove more fluid, and he’s looking well. He did spike a fever this afternoon, but that seems to have been controlled by Tylenol and unswaddling.
You most certainly are getting a handle on all of David’s expanding personality with all that has been going on. I hope that you are able to save these updates or print them so that you have them to look back on as he grows. David is definitely a little warrior with a monstrous fighting spirit. I’m sure that characteristic will stick with him forever. I am praising God for the progress that David has made and lifting you all up in prayer for peace and patience and that you are all surrounded in much love 🙏🏻
Prayers going up blessings to follow! Keeping a close watch on the progress of David’s journey. David’s grandpas cousin, Kirsten who lives in Door County WI Praying I can come visit and see the family soon, in the mean time prayer and keeping spirits up is the best medicine. Love to all. .
Prayers continue! 🙏🏼
Continued prayers!!🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thinking of you and praying for you all each and every day. As I have heard you say, David is being a little stinker … again. Thank you for the updates and pictures,. Has Eli grown a foot?
Continued prayers for our little warrior David! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Love all the pictures you post as we now only get to see David’s personality, but also Eli and Anna’s as well. Love Anna’s laugh in the one and can almost hear her hee glee. David my dear, I hope to see you laughing you soon. Prayers and love from Rocky and I.
Anna thought it was really funny because I was sitting in that chair and she asked me to sit in a yellow chair. I assumed she’d be at that table with me, but instead she took my old chair and said that’s her spot.